Teaching Students with ADHD

 

Introduction

Teaching people with ADHD requires an active and engaging approach.

Long blocks of passive text are often not effective.

Instead, teaching should include:

• Interaction

• Visual stimulation

• Short, structured tasks

By breaking learning into small chunks and using multiple senses, you can:

• Prevent overwhelm

• Improve focus

• Support reading and understanding

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1. Optimize Text and Materials

Chunk Information

• Break large texts into small sections

• Use 15-minute learning blocks

• Use:

  • Bullet points

  • Bold text

  • Wide margins

This creates space and makes text easier to scan.

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Use Visual Materials

• Use:

  • Graphic novels

  • Magazines

  • Interactive e-books

Visual content helps keep attention and interest.

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Multisensory Reading

• Highlight key words or phrases

• Draw ideas or diagrams

• Use reading tools that support focus

Example:

• Tools that bold key parts of words to guide attention

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2. Tailor the Learning Environment

Minimise Distractions

• Quiet workspace

• Reduce clutter

• Limit background noise

Some learners may benefit from:

• Soft background music to block distractions

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Embrace Movement

• Allow:

  • Standing

  • Walking

  • Movement breaks

Use:

• Standing desks

• Fidget tools

Movement can improve focus.

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Use Time Limits

• Set short focus periods (15–20 minutes)

• Use timers (especially visual timers)

• Follow with short breaks

This supports attention and energy levels.

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3. Change Instructional Strategies

Connect with Interests

• Link learning to hobbies or interests

• Use topics the learner enjoys

This can trigger:

• Engagement

• Motivation

• Hyper-focus

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Use Audio and Visual Together

• Combine:

  • Reading

  • Listening

Example:

• Listening to an audiobook while reading text

You can use tools such as:

• EasyReader App

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Discuss Before Reading

• Explain the topic first

• Go over key vocabulary

• Set clear expectations

This helps learners know what to look for.

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Summary

Students with ADHD learn best when teaching is:

• Engaging

• Visual

• Structured

• Active

Effective strategies include:

• Breaking tasks into small chunks

• Using movement and interaction

• Reducing distractions

• Connecting learning to interests

With the right approach, learners with ADHD can:

• Focus more easily

• Understand better

• Enjoy learning more

• Understanding ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions

  Introduction

  Many people think ADHD only means being full of energy.

  This is not the case.

  ADHD is more complex and affects people in different ways.

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  1. Misunderstanding ADHD

  ADHD is not just about:

  • Being hyperactive

  • Having lots of energy

  It can also include:

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Problems with attention

  • Struggles with organisation

  • Emotional regulation challenges

  Some people with ADHD may appear:

  • Quiet

  • Distracted

  • Overwhelmed

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  2. Multiple Conditions Can Co-Exist

  It is possible for a person to have:

  • ADHD

  • One or more learning difficulties (the “dys” conditions):

    • Dyslexia

    • Dysgraphia

    • Dyscalculia

    • Dyspraxia

  • Autism

  A person may have:

  • One condition

  • Several conditions

  • Or a combination of many

  Each person’s experience is different.

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  3. Impact of Multiple Difficulties

  When someone has multiple conditions, they may experience:

  • Increased challenges with learning

  • Greater difficulty with focus and attention

  • More fatigue and frustration

  Tasks that seem simple may require:

  • More effort

  • More time

  • More support

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  4. Mental Health and Wellbeing

  Because of these challenges, people may be more likely to experience:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  This can happen when:

  • They feel overwhelmed

  • They struggle to keep up

  • They feel misunderstood

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  5. Focus and Attention Difficulties

  People with ADHD (and related conditions) may struggle to:

  • Focus on one task for a long time

  • Stay engaged with reading

  • Complete long activities

  For example:

  • Reading a book for a long period may be difficult

  • Attention may move quickly from one thing to another

  This is not a lack of ability.

  It is how their brain processes information.

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  6. What This Means for Support

  Support should:

  • Be flexible

  • Be patient

  • Be adapted to the individual

  It should include:

  • Short, manageable tasks

  • Breaks

  • Encouragement

  • Understanding

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  Summary

  ADHD is often misunderstood.

  It is not just about energy.

  Many people:

  • Have multiple conditions

  • Experience challenges with focus and learning

  • May also struggle with anxiety and depression

  With the right support:

  • They can learn effectively

  • Build confidence

  • Succeed in education and life